James K. Murray Jr.

James K. Murray Jr. is a Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at Immaculata University, where he has taught organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry since 2001. He served as Chemistry Department Chairperson from 2004 to 2017 and remains an active faculty member.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Drexel University, 2003
• M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Drexel University, 1997
• B.S. in Chemistry, Drexel University, 1996

Dr. Murray's research centers on organic chemistry and chemistry education, with emphasis on developing innovative laboratory experiments for undergraduate instruction. His work spans catalysis (Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling, Rh/Co-catalyzed cycloadditions, gold-catalyzed rearrangements), organic synthesis (SmI2-mediated reactions, sigmatropic rearrangements), and nanotechnology applications. Since 2006, he has led course development for Immaculata's nanotechnology program as principal investigator on an NSF grant.

Analysis of his publication record reveals two distinct phases: early work (1994-1995) focused on sol-gel hybrid materials and photoacid catalysis, while later research (1997-2009) centered on nitroethylene chemistry, sigmatropic rearrangements, and pedagogical applications. His consistent thread is adapting complex organic reactions into accessible undergraduate laboratory experiments.

Dr. Murray has earned recognition including:

• Philadelphia Section ACS Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2010-2011)
• Third Prize at POCC Day poster competition (2003)

As principal investigator on a $600,000 NSF Partnerships for Innovation grant (2008-2012), he transformed regional science education. Additional Immaculata University grants supported micro-scale organic experiments and NMR computational studies. His service includes leadership roles in the Philadelphia Organic Chemists’ Club (POCC) and American Chemical Society committees.

Though specific labs aren't documented, Dr. Murray actively mentors undergraduate researchers, as evidenced by student co-authorship on numerous conference presentations spanning nanotechnology education and organic synthesis methodologies.